Is Your Social Security Number Leaked? Here’s How To Find Out And What To Do Next

By now, many people's Social Security numbers (SSNs)—one of the most crucial pieces of personal data—have likely ended up on the dark web. This is due to breaches at major corporations, government websites, and healthcare providers, resulting in millions of SSNs circulating among cybercriminals. The situation is concerning, and yes, it is a significant issue. Here's why a compromised SSN can cause chaos in your life, how to find out if yours has been leaked, and what steps to take if it has.

Is a Leaked Social Security Number Really That Serious?

In the U.S., your Social Security number is a vital part of your identity. With access to your SSN, a hacker can unlock a wealth of financial and personal information, impersonate you, take out loans, and potentially access sensitive accounts. Even if the effects aren't immediate, criminals can hold onto SSNs for years, waiting for the opportune moment to exploit them.

What Can Happen If Someone Has Your Social Security Number?

If your SSN falls into the wrong hands, it can lead to:

• Identity Theft: Criminals can use your SSN to open credit accounts, take out loans, or file false tax returns in your name.
• Employment Fraud: Someone might use your SSN to secure a job, potentially causing unexpected tax issues for you.
• Medical Fraud: Some criminals use stolen SSNs to receive healthcare under another person's name, resulting in false medical records that can complicate future care.

Consider the Equifax data breach of 2017, which exposed the SSNs and personal information of 147 million individuals. Many affected individuals faced fraudulent credit card applications and false tax returns, with some still dealing with the aftermath. The Equifax breach exemplifies the seriousness of SSN exposure and its real-world implications.

Signs Your Social Security Number Has Been Stolen

Concerned that your SSN might already be compromised? Look out for these warning signs:

• Unexpected Mail: Receiving credit card offers, debt collection notices, or bills for accounts you didn't open.
• Credit Report Surprises: Your credit report shows accounts or inquiries from unfamiliar sources.
• Tax Return Issues: The IRS notifies you of multiple tax returns filed under your name, or you're denied an expected refund.
• Healthcare Records: You notice unfamiliar medical bills or strange entries in your medical records.

How to Check If Your SSN Was Leaked and How to Protect It

Whether you've noticed these warning signs or just want to be cautious, here are steps to check and protect yourself:

• Monitor Your Credit Report: Regularly check your credit report for unfamiliar accounts. You're entitled to a free annual credit report from each major bureau (Experian, TransUnion, and Equifax). Review these reports for unusual activity.
• Use an Identity Theft Protection Service: Services like Experian IdentityWorks or LifeLock can monitor your SSN and alert you to suspicious activity. While they can't prevent identity theft, they help you respond more quickly.
• Freeze Your Credit: Freezing your credit is an effective way to prevent fraud. It restricts access to your credit report, making it harder for others to open accounts in your name. You can freeze and unfreeze your credit for free with each major bureau.
• Sign Up for SSN Alerts: The Social Security Administration offers alerts for certain activities, like changes to your Social Security account. While not comprehensive, it's an additional layer of protection.

What to Do Immediately If Your SSN Is Leaked

If you confirm your SSN is compromised, take these immediate actions:

• File a Report with the FTC: Visit IdentityTheft.gov to report to the Federal Trade Commission. The site guides you through a recovery plan tailored to your situation.
• Contact the Credit Bureaus: Inform Experian, Equifax, and TransUnion that your SSN is compromised. Place a fraud alert on your credit report to ensure lenders verify your identity before issuing credit.
• Freeze Your Credit: If not already done, freeze your credit report to prevent new accounts from being opened in your name.
• File a Police Report: If identity theft leads to financial loss or involves criminal activity, consider filing a report with your local police department. This can help resolve issues with creditors.
• Notify Financial Institutions: Contact your bank and other financial institutions to inform them of the compromised SSN. They can place alerts on your accounts and monitor for suspicious activity.

Protecting Your Business: Why Cybersecurity Matters

For small and medium-sized businesses, safeguarding Social Security numbers and other personal information is vital. A compromised SSN can lead to identity theft for employees and clients, unauthorized access to financial accounts, and potential data breaches. Businesses that store sensitive information are at risk of legal and financial repercussions and reputational damage if an SSN leak occurs.

Implementing a robust cybersecurity plan, including data encryption, network security, and employee education, is crucial for protecting sensitive information and preventing data breaches.

If you need help securing your business against data breaches and identity theft, our cybersecurity team is here to support you. Click here or give us a call at 407-278-5664 to schedule a FREE Discovery Call and safeguard your business from costly cyberthreats.